Department of Education Warns Schools Against Race-Based Policies, Threatens Funding Cuts
In a sweeping and controversial move, the Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter on Friday, warning that any public or private educational institution receiving federal funding could lose financial support if they consider race in most aspects of student life.
This directive comes as a response to the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which effectively struck down affirmative action in college admissions. Now, the Education Department’s new interpretation extends beyond admissions, applying restrictions to hiring, scholarships, campus organizations, student housing, discipline, and more.
What the Letter States
The letter, issued by Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, asserts that any policy or practice that differentiates between students based on race is a violation of federal law.
“Federal law prohibits covered entities from using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life,” Trainor wrote.
The department also singled out diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing that they unfairly advantage certain racial groups while imposing “unique moral burdens” on others.
Additionally, the letter makes it clear that schools cannot indirectly use race as a determining factor, such as through personal essays, extracurriculars, or other indicators that might reveal a student’s racial identity.
Implications for Schools and Students
The broad interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling is expected to spark legal challenges from civil rights organizations, universities, and advocacy groups.
If enforced, the policy could impact:
Scholarships and financial aid programs specifically designated for Black, Latino, or other non-White students.
Cultural and affinity groups, such as Black fraternities and sororities, which may be seen as favoring one race over another.
Diversity-focused hiring initiatives in schools and universities.
Curriculum choices, particularly programs that focus on racial history or social justice issues.
The Department of Education plans to begin compliance assessments by February 28, though details on enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.
Pushback from Educators and Advocates
The announcement has already drawn sharp criticism from education leaders and civil rights organizations.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), one of the nation’s largest teachers’ unions, slammed the letter as an illegal attempt to restrict how schools operate.
“Federal law prohibits any president from telling schools and colleges what to teach,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement.
“This memo does the opposite—it makes it far harder to do our jobs and will only stoke division and fear.”
Many educators worry that these restrictions will limit their ability to teach diverse perspectives and create an inclusive learning environment for students from all backgrounds.
Tied to a Larger Political Agenda
The policy shift is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI efforts across government agencies.
Within hours of his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order banning DEI considerations in federal hiring. Now, the administration is reportedly drafting an order to begin eliminating the Department of Education itself, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
On the campaign trail, Trump frequently criticized the Department of Education as a symbol of federal overreach, accusing it of promoting “woke” policies in schools.
“We will drain the government education swamp and stop the abuse of your taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s youth,” Trump declared at a rally.
An Unbiased Perspective
This move represents a major shift in federal education policy, and its implications could be far-reaching for students, educators, and institutions.
On one hand, the Education Department’s stance aligns with the Supreme Court’s decision to roll back affirmative action, arguing that race-neutral policies ensure fairness and equal treatment under the law. Supporters believe that race-conscious policies unfairly favor certain groups over others, and that educational opportunities should be based on merit, not identity.
On the other hand, critics argue that eliminating race-based considerations entirely ignores systemic barriers that still exist in education. Many fear that without DEI efforts and targeted support, underrepresented students will face greater challenges in accessing higher education, financial aid, and opportunities.
With lawsuits likely on the horizon, this policy shift is far from settled, and the debate over how race should be considered in education is expected to intensify in the coming months.